Kai Kai Sushi & Grill now sits where Koh Grill & Sushi Bar used to be in Wisma Atria, bringing diners a comprehensive menu of Japanese dishes ranging from classic sashimi and sushi to yakitori and teppan.
The new casual restaurant is helmed by Chef Yamashita Teppei, most known for its various Japanese F&B concepts on our island, such as Teppei Japanese Restaurant and Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant (now known as Unagi Tei). Here at his newest brainchild, Chef hopes to bring affordable yet quality Japanese fare to diners.
We sampled several items, with some in bite-sized portions. The prices listed are for the full portions.
Pitan Tofu 4/5
Pitan Tofu ($5) is always one of my must-orders when it’s on the menu. Kai Kai’s rendition is decent, with a slightly nutty sesame sauce base and a generous topping of chopped century egg and tobiko. I would have preferred a more robust century egg flavour in its sauce for that extra oomph.
Kai Kai Hanabi Roll 4/5
You will find a selection of different sushi rolls on the menu, one being the Kai Kai Hanabi Roll ($18.80). I found the sauce slightly too sweet, but this one is for fans of salmon as they offer it 2-ways here – raw in the middle and lightly aburi-ed on top.
Negitoro Sushi 3.8/5
The Negitoro Sushi ($6) roll had the classic combination of minced tuna and chopped spring onions in its centre, with crunchy tempura bits for extra texture. The tuna portion could be much better, for a better ratio to the tempura bits.
Nama Kaki 4/5
Next was the Nama Kaki, which had a plump and fresh oyster drizzled with a mildly tangy ponzu vinegar sauce.
3-Kind Sashimi Moriawase 4/5
We got to see Chef Yamashita Teppei do a bluefin tuna block-cutting demonstration, leading to our next dish, the 3-Kind Sashimi Moriawase ($15). We sampled slices of otoro, chutoro and maguro.
While they weren’t the best quality of cuts, they were still thick and fresh.
Buta Enoki Yakitori 3.5/5
The Buta Enoki Yakitori ($4) had enoki mushrooms wrapped with pork belly. While I enjoyed the grill on it, it was tougher and blander than I expected it to be. I prefer a stronger seasoning on this.
Yaki Hotate 4/5
Served in its shell with a wedge of lemon, the Yaki Hotate ($12) carried a nice slight char. The plump scallop remained juicy despite the grill.
Sukiyaki 3.5/5
While the pork slices were tender, we found the rest of the elements in the Sukiyaki ($16.80) more mediocre. The base could be a touch less salty as well.
Kani Toro Donburi 4.2/5
From the selection of mains, I decided on the Kani Toro Donburi ($17). It was clearly created for crab lovers, with crab meat, crab leg and soft shell crab with toppings of ikura and tobiko. The original size and portion will also include an onsen egg! The crab meat used was fresh and sweet.
Kai Kai Castle Bento 3.8/5
The Kai Kai Castle Bento ($18.90) was served in a multi-tiered bento box shaped like a Japanese castle. Each tier featured different items, namely tamago and unagi, assorted sashimi, and a bed of rice with chopped tuna belly, tempura bites, flying fish roe and ikura.
Unfortunately, its taste paled compared to its look, with average cuts on the sashimi. I must say that it’s still considerably decent for the variety at this price.
Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.
Kai Kai Sushi & Grill
Food Republic Wisma Atria
#04-21
435 Orchard Road
Singapore 238877
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am – 10pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]